09 Oct 2014

Mallards Welcome Woodley

By Brian Lavelle

MOLINE, Ill. (October 8, 2014) - The Quad City Mallards have signed forward/defenseman Ben Woodley, the Mallards announced today.

The 6' 6", 230-pound Woodley had a goal and an assist and collected 47 penalty minutes in 11 games with the Brampton Beast last season. The 22-year old London, Ontario, native spent 2012-13 in the ECHL, where he split time between the Toledo Walleye and Greenville Road Warriors, producing one goal and two assists along with 30 penalty minutes in 19 games. Woodley first skated in the professional ranks when he played in three playoff games for the ECHL's Toledo Walleye in the spring of 2012.

"I didn't want to be caught not having enough big guys to look out for the other guys on our roster," said Mallards coach and general manager Terry Ruskowski. "Ben has a reputation for being able to score as well as handle the rough stuff and can play defense or forward. Ben and Tyler Barr can make the rest of our guys feel about three inches taller."

Woodley turned pro after two junior A seasons. In 2011-12 he scored five times and notched 42 assists for 47 points and was also assessed 125 minutes in penalties in 59 games with the British Columbia Hockey League's Prince George Spruce Kings. Woodley joined the Spruce Kings late in the 2010-11 season after starting that campaign with the Grande Prairie Storm of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

The Mallards open the 2014-15 season at home against the Rapid City Rush on Friday, October 24 at 7:05 p.m. The Mallards being training camp tomorrow at the iWireless Center.

Season tickets for the coming campaign are still available. Ticket packages are available to meet almost any budget. A limited edition season ticket holder Mallard jersey, 12 additional ticket vouchers per seat and free parking are among a host of exclusive benefits available to season ticket holders. For more ticket information fans can call the Mallards' business office at 309-277-1364.

About the Quad City Mallards
A proud affiliate of the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild and the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild, the Quad City Mallards are approaching their eighteenth season and their first in the ECHL. One of the winningest teams in all of minor league hockey, the Mallards competed in the United Hockey League from 1995 through 2007; in the International Hockey League in 2009-10; and in the Central Hockey League from 2010 through 2014. The Mallards' proud history has seen them capture the UHL's Colonial Cup Championship three times (1997, 1998, 2001) and secure that league's Tarry Cup four times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002) for the best overall regular season record. In 2001, the Mallards made professional hockey history, recording their sixth consecutive season with 50 or more wins, a feat that has yet to be matched. The iWireless Center provides a unique environment for hockey and features one-of-a-kind seating areas such as the Nest for groups and functions and the exclusive Drake Club. For more information on the Quad City Mallards or for Mallards tickets go to www.myqcmallards.com. Fans can also follow the Mallards via Twitter at twitter.com/myqcmallards and on Facebook at 8http://www.facebook.com/qcmallards.

-### Quad City Mallards ### -

08 Oct 2014

MALLARDS OPEN TRAINING CAMP TOMORROW

By Brian Lavelle

MOLINE, Ill. (October 8, 2014) - The Quad City Mallards will open their 2014 training camp tomorrow with a double session at the i wireless Center, the Mallards announced today.

The Mallards will begin preparations for their inaugural ECHL season when they take the ice tomorrow morning from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Coach Terry Ruskowski's club will return to the ice tomorrow afternoon from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Tomorrow is only time during camp the Mallards will practice twice in one day.

After tomorrow, camp will shift to the River's Edge in Davenport. The Mallards will practice at the River's Edge each day beginning this Friday and continuing through next Wednesday, October 15. The team will hit the ice from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. this Friday morning; from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. this Saturday; and from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. The Mallards will be on the ice from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The schedule for the first seven days of camp is also detailed below.

All training camp sessions are open to the public free of charge. The i wireless Center is located at 1201 River Drive in Moline, while the River's Edge is located at 700 West River Drive in Davenport.

The Mallards will play their 2014-15 home opener against the Rapid City Rush on Friday October 24 at 7:05 p.m.

Quad City Mallards 2014 Training Camp
Schedule: October 9-15

Date	Time	Site
Thursday, October 9	9:00 to 11:00 a.m. 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.	i wireless Center
Friday, October 10	9:00 to 10:45 a.m.	River's Edge
Saturday, October 11	10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.	River's Edge
Sunday, October 12	11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.	River's Edge
Monday, October 13	9:00 to 10:45 a.m.	River's Edge
Tuesday, October 14	9:00 to 10:45 a.m.	River's Edge
Wednesday, October 15	9:00 to 10:45 a.m.	River's Edge

08 Oct 2014

Mallards Make Move to ECHL

By Brian Lavelle

CHICAGO - The ECHL announced on Tuesday that the League's Board of Governors has approved the Membership applications of the Quad City Mallards as well as the Allen Americans, Brampton Beast, Missouri Mavericks, Rapid City Rush, Tulsa Oilers and Wichita Thunder for admission to the ECHL.

The seven expansion teams will begin play in the ECHL this season, giving the League 28 teams in 20 states and one Canadian province for its 27th season of operation, which begins on Friday, Oct. 17 and runs through Saturday, April 11.

The applicants were approved at a special meeting of the ECHL Board of Governors in Chicago on Tuesday.

"The ECHL is very pleased to welcome these new Members to the League," said ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna. "These additions strengthen our base in the center of the country and give the ECHL, for the first time, a true national presence. It expands our ability to act as a development league and more closely aligns our number of teams with both the American Hockey League and the National Hockey League.

"There will be logistical challenges in the short term, however, in the long term, it is certainly in the best interest of the ECHL, the new Members and minor-league hockey in general," McKenna added.

Updates to the 2014-15 ECHL playing schedule, divisional alignment and the format for the 2015 Kelly Cup Playoffs will be released at a later date.

08 Oct 2014

HISTORY IN THE MAKING AS WASHINGTON GENERALS LOOK FOR LANDMARK VICTORY OVER HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS At the iWireless Center ON Saturday, Jan. 3 @ 7:00 pm

By Lindsey Lobur

(Moline, Oct. 7, 2014) - The world famous Harlem Globetrotters, featuring some of the greatest athletes and entertainers on the planet, will bring their unrivaled family show to the iwireless Center in Moline on Saturday, Jan. 3 at 7 p.m., during the Harlem Globetrotters 2015 "Washington Generals' Revenge" Tour.

The Globetrotters will face a great challenge this year, as the infamous Washington Generals are more determined than ever to match the franchise's historic last victory over the Globetrotters nearly a half century ago. It has been five years since the Globetrotters and Generals have faced off, as the Generals have been searching far and wide for the best players to retool their roster and have been preparing for one thing: victory over the Globetrotters.

In addition to the highly-anticipated matchup on the court, the Globetrotters, known worldwide as the Ambassadors of GoodwillÃ‚â„¢, will honor a Harlem Globetrotters Hometown Hero at each of their 310-plus games in North America. The team is searching for active, wounded or retired members of the military who have made their community proud with their brave service and exemplary character. Fans can nominate a Harlem Globetrotters Hometown Hero at harlemglobetrotters.com. The Globetrotters will also play a portion of each game with a camouflage basketball as a sign of respect to all who protect our freedom.

With a star-studded roster featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson,Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law,Bull Bullard, Firefly FisherandMoose Weekes - plus female stars TNT Maddox, T-Time Brawner and Sweet J Ekworomadu* - the Globetrotters' one-of-a-kind show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment. With incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction, this must-see event is guaranteed to entertain the whole family. After the game, Globetrotter stars will sign autographs and take photos with fans.

Tickets start at $17 and are now available for sale. For ticket information please see iwirelesscenter.com or ticketmaster.com, order by phone at 800-745-3000. Tickets can be purchased at the iwireless Center box office, located at 1201 River Drive in Moline. For group rates and information,call Lindsey at 309.277.1356 or email llobur@iwirelesscenter.com.

###

Sponsored by World Vision, Greyhound Lines and Baden Sports, The Harlem Globetrotters® are celebrating their 89th consecutive year, continuing a world famous tradition of ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry, and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages. Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S. Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 122 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans-among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents-over more than eight thrilling decades. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, and to purchase tickets and team merchandise, visit the Globetrotters' official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

02 Oct 2014

Mallards Sign Prolific Veteran Baker

By Brian Lavelle

Forward Arrives from Arizona

MOLINE, Ill. (October 1, 2014) - The Quad City Mallards have signed forward Kevin Baker, the Mallards announced today.

Baker, 35, scored 34 goals- tied for third most in the Central Hockey League- and totaled 64 points in 65 games with the Arizona Sundogs last season. The Kingston, Ontario native also finished fifth in the CHL in power play goals (11) last year. He went on to score five more goals and tack on nine points in 11 playoff games while pushing the Sundogs to an opening round upset of top-seeded Missouri and a berth in the semi-finals.

"When Arizona and Denver players became available, Kevin was one guy I really wanted to get," said Mallards coach and general manager Terry Ruskowski. "He's not just a good player, he's also a good person, someone who can provide leadership for our younger guys. He's someone we can count on to come through when the chips are down."

The 6' 1, 192-pound Baker joins the Mallards for his eleventh professional season having produced 276 goals and 327 assists for 603 points in 686 career games. Along the way, Baker was named 2008-09 ECHL Most Valuable Player and 2005-06 Canadian Interuniversity Sport Player of the Year and twice (in 2006-07 and 2008-09) made the All-ECHL First Team.

Baker has scored 30 or more goals in back-to-back seasons and rung up 27 or more each of the last three years. In all, he has found the net 30 or more times in a campaign on five occasions and scored at least 27 goals in six of his last seven seasons in North America.

Baker, who was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the seventh round of the 1999 National Hockey League Entry Draft with the one hundred ninety-third overall choice, has played 83 American Hockey League games over the course of his career. He has scored 21 goals and posted 37 points while wearing the colors of the AHL's Lowell Lock Monsters, Saint John Flames, Milwaukee Admirals, Toronto Marlies, Rochester Americans and Albany River Rats.

Baker reached the 30-goal plateau in 2012-13 while suiting up for three teams in two leagues. He played a total of 50 games in the ECHL for the Orlando Solar Bears and Evansville Icemen, registering 22 goals and 39 points before piling up eight goals and 14 points in just 10 games with the Sundogs down the home stretch of the campaign.

In 2011-12, Baker scored 27 goals and produced 56 points in 68 games for the Stockton Thunder of the ECHL. He headed back across the Atlantic to join the Thunder after an Italian excursion that saw him score 15 goals and put up 36 points in 39 games with Ritten Renon in 2010-11.

Baker's ECHL MVP season was his most prolific- he led the league in goals (57) and points (102) while helping the Florida Everblades to first place overall in the first of his two campaigns with the club. That first overall regular season finish was the second in as many seasons for Baker. In 2007-08, he helped propel the Texas Wildcatters to a tie for the ECHL's top spot by scoring 29 goals and recording 56 points in only 44 games following his return from Germany, where he had started the campaign with Schwenningen ERC. It was with the Wildcatters that Baker had made an explosive return to the pro ranks in 2006-07 after a three year hiatus spent at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Baker finished 2006-07 tied for fifth in the ECHL in goals (36) and points (81).

Baker was just as successful in the university ranks, scoring 58 goals and notching 103 points in 77 career games for Acadia and winning the Sullivan Trophy as national player of the year in his final season as an Axeman. He led the nation in goals (24) and finished tied for fifth in points (40) in 2004-05 and finished tied for first nationally in points (47) and second in goals (24) the following season. Baker helped power Acadia to back-to-back Atlantic University Sport regular season titles in 2005 and 2006 and the conference playoff crown in 2005. He was named to the 2005-06 All-Canadian first team after earning second team honors in 2004-05 and was also selected to the AUS first all-star team each of those two seasons.

Baker already had two seasons of pro hockey under his belt when he arrived at Acadia. He broke in with the AHL's Lock Monsters in 2000-01, scoring six goals and totaling 11 points in 26 games. He spent the bulk of the following year with the American League's Flames, scoring 13 times and racking up 20 points in 46 games with time out to score six goals and accumulate 16 points in 18 ECHL games with the Johnstown Chiefs.

Baker turned pro after three junior seasons with the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League. He scored 93 goals and picked up 182 points in 191 career OHL games. In 1998-99 he finished tied for eighth in the OHL with 44 goals and pocketed a total of 81 points in 68 games.

The Mallards will open their eighteenth season on home ice Friday, October 24 at 7:05 p.m. against the Rapid City Rush. 2014-15 Mallards season tickets are now on sale. Ticket packages are available to meet almost any budget. A limited edition season ticket holder Mallard jersey, 12 additional ticket vouchers per seat and free parking are among a host of exclusive benefits available to season ticket holders. For more season ticket information fans can call the Mallards' business office at 309-277-1364.

About the Quad City Mallards
A proud affiliate of the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild and the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild, the Quad City Mallards are approaching their eighteenth season and their fifth in the Central Hockey League. One of the winningest teams in all of minor league hockey, the Mallards competed in the United Hockey League from 1995 through 2007 and in the International Hockey League in 2009-10. The Mallards' proud history has seen them capture the UHL's Colonial Cup Championship three times (1997, 1998, 2001) and secure that league's Tarry Cup four times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002) for the best overall regular season record. In 2001, the Mallards made professional hockey history, recording their sixth consecutive season with 50 or more wins, a feat that has yet to be matched. The iWireless Center provides a unique environment for hockey and features one-of-a-kind seating areas such as the Nest for groups and functions and the exclusive Drake Club. For more information on the Quad City Mallards or for Mallards tickets go to www.myqcmallards.com. Fans can also follow the Mallards via Twitter at twitter.com/myqcmallards and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/quadcitymallards.

-### Quad City Mallards ###-

01 Oct 2014

8th Annual Iowa State Fairgrounds 5K Supports Future Renovations

By Drew Norton

DES MOINES, IA (10/01/2014)(readMedia)-- Adventure to the Iowa State Fairgrounds on November 2 for the 8th annual Fairgrounds 5K, presented by West Bank. Runners, joggers and walkers can experience the Fairgrounds' park-like setting without the hustle and bustle of the Fair. Nothing compares to an Iowa State Fair corndog and this is your chance to enjoy one "guilt free".

"In August, the Fairgrounds are filled with great people, entertainment, rides and the best food we all look forward to every year. The 5K is the perfect opportunity for Iowans to see how beautiful our Fairgrounds are while supporting its preservation and renovation," said Peter Cownie, Blue Ribbon Foundation Executive Director. "I encourage all runners, walkers, and Fair-goers alike to take part in this special event."

The 5K run's scenic race route will take you down the Grand Concourse, around the livestock barns and through the hills of the Campgrounds. Runners will see current projects on the Fairgrounds with the continued renovation of the Youth Inn and construction on the new MidAmerican Energy stage. Awards will be given to winners in different age groups and to the overall male and female finishers. Registration is $20 before October 20th, $30 from October 20-28 and $40 on race day. Entry fee includes a t-shirt and goodie bag.

Fair-lovers can also participate in the one mile walk. Take a nice stroll through the beautiful Fairgrounds. All participants in the walk will be entered into a drawing for additional prizes. Registration for the walk is also $20.

Just like the Iowa State Fair, the 5K event is for the entire family. Kids are able to participate in the Chase the Cow Kids' Run. All kids will receive a participation ribbon and a t-shirt for the $5 registration fee. To make it even more fun, kids will chase a cow mascot to the finish line!

Online registration for the Fairgrounds 5K is available at www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org. For more information about the Fairgrounds 5K or the Blue Ribbon Foundation, please visit our website or call 515-262-3111 Ext. 675.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated more than $100 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

###

22 Sep 2014

What A Year! Thank You River Bandit Fans!

By River Bandits

Dear Friends,

What a year!

When we first bought this team, we set out to change the culture around the ballpark and return this team back to its rightful owners - you, the greatest fans in the country.

Since then, we have steadily increased both attendance and corporate participation, and moved significantly closer toward our goal of making Modern Woodmen Park the central gathering place for this wonderful and diverse bi-state community - a one-of-a-kind place to gather with friends, family, and coworkers across the region for affordable, family-friendly entertainment and lots of good, clean fun.

But this year, despite leading the league in rainouts, bitter cold weather in April and terrible flooding in late June and early July which left our parking lots and portions of our ballpark underwater, you helped us set the all-time per-game attendance record for Quad Cities! This year's average of 3,885 people per-game is the highest ever for the Quad Cities franchise - and our ballpark dates back to 1931!

Your tremendous, unwavering support is at once both humbling and energizing - humbling because we are so grateful to you for choosing to spend your summer evenings with us over and over again. And energizing because your support inspires us to aim still higher, achieve new heights, and do even more to keep Modern Woodmen Park what USA Today rightly called the "best minor league ballpark in America."

We were thrilled for this great community to win that award. But we will never rest on our laurels. Instead, we became the first team in the country to open a Ferris wheel inside a minor league ballpark. We also unveiled two new rides - "Space Camp" and the Mediacom "Drop'N Twist" - and extended our zip-line to 300 feet! Now, with the ballpark open every weekend all summer long for amusements, more than 65,000 people have enjoyed a ride on one of our fun attractions.

Our success has also given us more opportunities to give back. This year, we gave $50,000 to the Genesis Health Services Foundation to fund neo-natal intensive care services and free flu shots for those in need. And, through our unmatched Bandit Scholars program, our club paid the tuition of three outstanding young students who aspired to attend college in our community. Their first year's tuition ... covered. All told, we gave away nearly $240,000 in cash and merchandise - all within the Quad Cities.

That's what giving back means to us.

Please accept our gratitude for your enthusiastic support all season long. We are already making plans for new additions and improvements to the ballpark, including renovated bathrooms throughout the concourse and two new deck areas, for 2015, so we will not be sitting still. After all, both on and off the field, the River Bandits will never stop improving. Because we belong to you, the people of the Quad Cities, and we're a perfect fit: a championship team playing before the country's greatest fans in the nation's best minor league ballpark!

From us, and on behalf of everyone who's a part of the River Bandits, thank you.

Sincerely,

Dave Heller Bob Herrfeldt
Owners, Quad Cities River Bandits

22 Sep 2014

BRETT PHILLIPS NAMED ASTROS MINOR LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

By Scott Kornberg

Former River Bandit Josh Hader wins organizational Pitcher of the Year

DAVENPORT, Iowa (September 17, 2014) - Brett Phillips, who played 103 games as an outfielder this season for the Quad Cities River Bandits, has been named the Houston Astros Minor League Player of the Year, the major league club announced on Wednesday.

Former River Bandits left-handed pitcher Josh Hader, who pitched for Quad Cities in 2013 and won the Midwest League title-clinching game a year ago, was named Houston's Minor League Pitcher of the Year this season. Both Phillips and Hader will be honored during the pregame ceremonies on Sunday at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

In 130 games between Quad Cities and Class-A Advanced Lancaster, Phillips hit .310 with 29 doubles, 14 triples, 17 home runs, 69 RBI and 23 stolen bases. He posted a .375 on-base percentage, .529 slugging percentage and .905 OPS. In the California League playoffs, Phillips led the JetHawks with 11 hits while playing all eight games in the team's run to the California League Championship.

Already named a Midwest League postseason All-Star and the Class-A Player of the Year by Baseball America, Phillips is the first River Bandit to win an annual organizational award since Shelby Miller was the St. Louis Cardinals Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2010.

Over 103 games this season with the River Bandits, Phillips led the team in hits (116), triples and slugging while ranking second in doubles (21), home RBIs (58) and OPS, tied for second in home runs (the first 13 of his career) and third in walks (36) and stolen bases (18). Phillips became the first Quad Cities player since at least 1998 to homer in five straight games when he did so July 26-30.

Houston's sixth-round pick in 2012 out of Seminole (Fla.) High School, Phillips was promoted to Class-A Advanced Lancaster on August 4, but he finished the season first in the Midwest League in slugging percentage (.521), second in OPS (.883) and third in both batting average (.302) and triples (12). Among all-time Quad Cities single-season marks, his 12 triples place him in a tie for second while his .521 slugging percentage is ninth. Phillips' 14 outfield assists this season are also the most in the Midwest League.

The 20-year-old Seminole, Fla., native was a starting outfielder for the 2014 Midwest League All-Star Game June 17 in West Michigan and was the youngest position player selected for the Western Division roster. Ranked as the Houston Astros' No. 30 prospect before the season by Baseball America, Phillips also won Quad Cities Player of the Month in April, when he posted a .301 batting average with three triples, two home runs and a team-high 13 RBIs. Phillips had a .394 on-base percentage, .446 slugging percentage, and .840 OPS in 23 games.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop-N-Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened.

19 Sep 2014

Deadline Extended to Friday for Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby

By River Bandits

The first-ever Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby to benefit the Bandit Scholars Program is coming up on Sunday, Sept. 21. Presented by Modern Woodmen of America and Triumph Community Bank, the event will give fans and people across the Quad Cities region the chance to swing for the fences at Modern Woodmen Park. Registration has been extended to Friday, September 19! More »

19 Sep 2014

Hometown Teams Programming Starts with the History of Auto Racing, Sept. 16

By Lisa Lockheart

Events continue with programs on women in baseball, professional football in Rock Island, stadium tours, and Quad City golf

Rock Island, IL: Hometown Teams, a touring exhibit on how sports affects American culture, kicked off this morning at the Rock Island Main Library with an opening day ceremony involving 150 participants, including athletes from Rock Island, Moline, and United Township High Schools, the Moline High School marching band, members of the Rock Island High School varsity cheerleading squad, local committee members and program partners.

The traveling Hometown Teams exhibit, which is a collaboration of the Smithsonian Museum on Main Street and the Illinois Humanities Council, is supported by local sports history displays and programs at the Rock Island Main Library and other community sites.. The first program in the six-week program series is Tuesday. It features the history of local auto racing. "Start Your Engines: Motorsports in the Quad Cities," will be presented by racing writer and organizer Roger Ruthhart at 2:30 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 16, in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street. The free program covers the rich history of auto racing in the Quad Cities, including what many believe to be the site of the first automobile race in Iowa.

Additional free history programs in September include :

Women Who Played Baseball: Monday, Sept. 22, at 6:30 pm, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street, Rock Island. Illinois Humanities Council road scholar Barbara Gregovich presents the story of three teenage girls who played hardball on the last traveling "bloomer girl" baseball team in 1934. For 60 years prior to the formation of the All American Girls Professional League, women played in these national and international barnstorming leagues. This human-interest story touches on the Great Depression, barnstorming baseball teams, and the heroic women who wanted to play hardball.

Small Stadium, Big Time Football; RI Independents of the NFL: Thursday, Sept. 25:, 6:30 pm, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Retired Rock Island High School coach Vic Boblett brings us the story of the Rock Island Independents, one of the first 14 teams of the National Football League. The Independents are prominently featured in the library's local display. Boblett will expand upon their role in local and national football history, and on the differences in football, then and now.

Places Where We Play Stadium Bus Tour: Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9:30 am to noon. Tour embarks and returns to Rock Island Main Library. The stadiums where we watch and play for Hometown Teams are sources of great memories and community spirit. Learn more about the history of Rock Island High School's Almquist Field, Moline High School's Wharton Field House and Browning Field, and Augustana College's Ericson Field. Each stop includes a presentation, with additional bus commentary by Thom Cornelis. Reservations needed for bus arrangements. Please call 309-732-7345 or register via the library's online calendar. Reservations requested no later than Wednesday, Sept. 24. The tour is free and open to all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

From the Quad Cities Open to the John Deere Classic - Big-time Professional Golf in the Quad Cities, Tuesday, Sept. 30: 6:30 pm, Moline Public Library, 3210 41st Street. Hometown Teams local project partner Moline Library hosts a golf exhibit and program by longtime tournament volunteer John Wetzel.

October programs include an Oct. 4 program on a local game changer in integrating professional football, Frederick "Duke" Slater, along with presentations on Three-I League baseball, Tri-Cities Blackhawks professional basketball, amateur softball tournaments at Douglas Park, and a panel discussion on how Title 9 changed sports nationally and locally.

Additional Hometown Team displays are offered at Rock Island County Historical Society, and the Karpeles Manuscript Museum. Evenings at Butterworth, at the Butterworth Center, Moline, has also dedicated three fall programs to sports topics.

"Hometown Teams: How Sports Shape America, will be on view during library hours from Saturday, Sept. 13 to Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014 at the Rock Island Library's Main Branch, 401 19th Street, Rock Island. "Hometown Teams: How Sports Shape America" is part of Museum on Main Street, a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the Illinois Humanities Council.

Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress. Local sponsors include the Rock Island Community Foundation, Illinois Humanities Council, Modern Woodmen of America, Rock Island Public Library Foundation, and Sedona Staffing, along with media sponsorships from WHBF TV/CBS 4, Townsquare Media (ESPN Quad Cities 93.5, The HAWK 104.9, 97X WXLP, and B100 ), Mickle Communications, The Dispatch/Rock Island Argus and the River Cities Reader. In kind support has been received from Bill's Moving and Storage, Victory Enterprises, and Midwest Graphics Management.

All events are free and open to the public. Free Hometown Teams program brochures are available, or contact the library at 309-732-READ or www.rockislandlibrary.org for more details.

# # #

Exhibit Venue: Rock Island Main Library: 401 19th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201, 309-732-READ (7323),www.rockislandlibrary.org. Second- floor exhibit space open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, during all scheduled library programs, and by contacting the first floor service desk at other times. Exhibits close one-half hour before library closing. Group tours are available. General library hours of operation are Monday-Thursday, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, Friday and Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The library is closed on Sundays.

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Mallards Welcome Woodley

MALLARDS OPEN TRAINING CAMP TOMORROW

Mallards Make Move to ECHL

HISTORY IN THE MAKING AS WASHINGTON GENERALS LOOK FOR LANDMARK VICTORY OVER HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS At the iWireless Center ON Saturday, Jan. 3 @ 7:00 pm

Mallards Sign Prolific Veteran Baker

8th Annual Iowa State Fairgrounds 5K Supports Future Renovations

What A Year! Thank You River Bandit Fans!

BRETT PHILLIPS NAMED ASTROS MINOR LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Deadline Extended to Friday for Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby

Hometown Teams Programming Starts with the History of Auto Racing, Sept. 16

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